Sick of all the Albuquerque and New Mexico bashing... (to rent, insurance)

[New West 2020]

Crime in Portales? have not seen it in several months and the statistics tell otherwise. The two guys I ever saw in "G" clothing were obviously Mexican Nationals dressing "Americano". They had happy grins on their faces, none of the usual tatoos, and not even close to the attitude of what we left in the great state of California. Maybe Portales useed to have a crime problem?

[New West 2020]

Originally Posted by observe

It sounds like you've never been to third world country!
Get real!

If you want to see the third world, try central LA or Phoenix on a saturday night. I'll take calm country living any day over crime-ridden streets full of sketchy criminals.

[DaHerd]

It's true. I grew up in NM (Santa Fe/Albuquerque). Lived there until I was 22 yrs old. It's by far the worst place I ever lived. So much crime, gangs, illegals. And their stupid slang talk there. It's like there is a bunch of ignorant idiots there. Anyone ever heard some of the natives say "Alavveeeeeee"???? LOL If you have, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Thank God I got out of there. Oh ya, it is pretty though. Too bad the people ruin it!

[DaHerd]

The problem with ABQ is it's so small that it's hard to have a nice area that the ghetto element doesnt spill over into. When I lived there, I felt I was finally up in a nice area - the northeast heights. Some hoodlums went in to a convenience store and shot and robbed the clerk. And this was in the supposed "nice area". Albuquerque is just awful. Too much crime. Dont even dare watch the news there. It's sickening for the size of the city.

[6 FOOT 3]

Originally Posted by DaHerd

The problem with ABQ is it's so small that it's hard to have a nice area that the ghetto element doesnt spill over into. When I lived there, I felt I was finally up in a nice area - the northeast heights. Some hoodlums went in to a convenience store and shot and robbed the clerk. And this was in the supposed "nice area". Albuquerque is just awful. Too much crime. Dont even dare watch the news there. It's sickening for the size of the city.

I wonder if this poster (who lives in portland oregon) read the current thread over in the Portland threads titled ''Portland Negatives'' with over 67 posts??...lol.... gotta laugh !

[GregW]

I am beginning to think convenience stores are put there just for the thugs to rob. It must keep them away from the banks and security brokers where the big time criminals hang out.

Just kidding - sort of.

Wherever you have people you are going to have criminals. City gangs, suburban car thieves, rural dope/whisky bootleggers. The trick is to remain alert and avoid the thugs and, if you cannot, be well enough armed and trained to fight back effectively.

[New West 2020]

I asked a Circle K (like 7-11) clerk in a nicer part of Tucson how much theft goes on. he told me "every night"! The word on the street is "stay out of convenience stores after dark" in Tucson, and the same probably goes for ALB. Sad refelection on the real world of today.

[New West 2020]

Some third world countrties I have been to are a lot safer than ALB, PHX, believe me!

[finmqa1]

Originally Posted by New West 2020

I asked a Circle K (like 7-11) clerk in a nicer part of Tucson how much theft goes on. he told me "every night"! The word on the street is "stay out of convenience stores after dark" in Tucson, and the same probably goes for ALB. Sad refelection on the real world of today.

Or just about any medium to large city! These are not problems that are isolated to the Southwestern United States.

[deesturn]

Originally Posted by gaby

Thanks informer! I have spoken with many people who have positive things to say about NM. However, most of them have never lived there. My husband and I are really nervous about this and seriously concerned about the crime. We are going to Abq in a few weeks to make our final decision but honestly the posts here have influenced me greatly against living there. They make it sound like a 3rd world country. It is nice to hear some positive points from an actual resident. Not a tourist. However, I appreciate EVERYONE'S input!

becca

Hi, I'm not an expert as I do not live in ABQ yet. I did, however visit during the holiday, from 12/17 through 12/25/2007. In the short time I was there, I was looking at homes to purchase. I cannot stress enough how amazingly beautiful I found it. To be honest, I wanted NOT to like it. It's a long story, which I won't go into, but I will say, that try as hard as I could, I could NOT not like it there. The scenery was beautiful. The mountains seemed almost like a movie set (not real) because they were so breathtaking. It has a very wide open feeling. We stayed in the "uptown" area which was very contemporary (that surprised me, but I LIKED it). It was bright and yet warm and invitiing. We also visited "Old Town". It is a shopping area, but just walking around taking in the beauty of the culture was relaxing yet intense. I loved it. We didn't get to too many areas, but looking for a home did take us to several places. I can't express how sorry I am that I couldn't have taken more time to spend there. I almost found a home, but it didn't work out. Now I am trying to find a rental for a short term so that I can purchase. I was close to doing so, but realized that my budget needed to be raised a bit. I do have enough of an idea where I want to relocate to in the ABQ area, and I've seen enough homes to know the differences, areas; basically what's available.

Everyone is different so what strikes me may not strike "you". But I can tell you that, the negatives I have read about on this forum and elsewhere, did not come into view for me when I was there. All I saw was beauty, friendliness, open freshness and a feeling of warmth. Every person I conversed with was pleasant. If I encountered anyone not, it was a "transplant". The locals and natives are laid back and seem genuinely happy.

Maybe it will help if I point out that I'm not just moving from one place to another. Most recently spent a great deal of time in the southeast, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Rock Hill, South Carolina, Melbourne, Florida and Destin, Florida. I love the coast. I am originally from New York City born in New York Hospital and grew up on the lower east side of Manhattan. I lived there for 19 years. I also lived in the Chelsea area of Manhattan, Bensonhurst Brooklyn, Pearl River in Rockland County, in NYState and Goshen in Orange county in NYState; Springfield, MA, Richmond, VA, Springfield, MO, El Monte, CA, Sun Valley, CA, Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, California. I have been to numerous states accross the USA, and to many other countries. I obviously do favor the coasts, and some of the places I've been to and lived were amazing, beautiful, and unique but I was mesmerized, intrigued and felt vibrant in ABQ. I am going back and I will settle there. I have no doubt even after only 8 days, that I will love living there. It's different because it's relaxed let alive,mit holds all the conveniences any one could possibly want or need, BUT it also gives you the opportunity to relax, enjoy and appreciate!!!

Hope this helps!